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- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and drive organisational excellence in public service.
- Company: Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, committed to community safety.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, competitive salary, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public service and lead innovative change.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior management with a focus on strategic leadership.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team with a commitment to inclusion and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Terms and Conditions: Gold Book
Contract: Permanent
Interview Date (fixed): 11 March 2026
Are you an experienced strategic leader ready to make a significant impact in public service? Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is seeking a Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) to join the Strategic Leadership Board and provide exceptional leadership and drive organisational excellence.
About the Role
As DCFO, you will support the Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive in delivering the Service’s vision and strategic objectives. You will lead at the highest level, ensuring the effective implementation of the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), statutory obligations, and national guidance, as well as acting as one of the organisation's most senior operational commanders. As DCFO, you should also have the ambition to progress into a Chief Fire Officer role in the future. This is a pivotal role requiring strong leadership, innovation, and collaboration to deliver outstanding services to our communities. This role is a uniformed operational role and conditioned to the firefighters pensions scheme. The Fire Authority are seeking a motivated, driven individual with the ability to build on an already high performing and successful organisation. A focus on leadership and management in the public sector with a clear ‘business’ based ethos is key to delivering efficient and effective public services. Driving performance based on our core strategies, embracing change and innovating are key skills the successful candidate will need to demonstrate.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as Deputy for the Chief Fire Officer, lead the strategic board, and assume full leadership responsibilities in their absence.
- Lead your Directorate, driving performance, continuous improvement, and cultural excellence.
- Provide strategic advice to elected Members and foster strong stakeholder relationships.
- Champion inclusion and positive employee relations across the Service.
- Represent the Service nationally, regionally, and locally, influencing policy and outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and welfare obligations.
- Deliver operational leadership during major incidents as Duty Principal Officer as part of the Brigade Manager Rota and Gold Command cover.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking applications from high-performing, high potential qualified competent senior managers who can demonstrate experience of operating effectively at Strategic Manager level. The successful candidate should also have the potential and ambition to progress into a Chief Fire Officer role in the future.
The full job description is available in the Information for Applicants pack, which is available on hwfire.org.uk/careers/vacancies/dcfo/
For an informal, confidential conversation about this role with the Chief Fire Officer, Jon Pryce KFSM, please contact Lisa Colenutt at LColenutt@hwfire.org.uk
Deputy Chief Fire Officer – Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service employer: National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
Contact Detail:
National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Fire Officer – Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just put your name on the radar.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP). Show us that you understand the strategic objectives and how you can contribute to them. We love candidates who come in with ideas!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've driven performance and fostered collaboration in previous roles. We want to hear about your impact and how you can lead our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Fire Officer – Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the values and mission of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. Show us that you get what we're all about!
Be Specific and Relevant: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that align with the role of Deputy Chief Fire Officer. Use concrete examples that highlight your leadership skills and strategic thinking. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for public service shine through in your application. Share why you're excited about the opportunity to lead at such a high level and how you plan to contribute to our community. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Deputy Chief Fire Officer and the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the Community Risk Management Plan and any recent initiatives by Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. This will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and operational knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in a public service context. Think about times when you've driven performance or led teams through change. Be ready to discuss how you can foster strong stakeholder relationships and champion inclusion within the organisation.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and operational leadership skills. Practice articulating how you would handle major incidents or challenges as Duty Principal Officer. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. You might want to inquire about the future direction of the service, how they measure success, or what challenges they foresee in the coming years. This not only helps you gauge if it's the right fit but also demonstrates your strategic mindset.
